Patrice Evra released by Marseille and handed Uefa ban until June 2018 for kicking supporter

The former Manchester United and Juventus defender will be free to find a new club but could yet face further disciplinary action

Patrice Evra is escorted from the pitch by his own teammates after being sent off (Getty)

Patrice Evra has been released by Olympique Marseille and banned from all European club matches until June 30, 2018 after kicking a supporter in the head ahead of last Thursday's Europa League game against Vitoria Guimaraes.

The former Manchester United defender was also fined €10,000 (£8,829) after aiming a kick at the head of a supporter last week, Uefa has announced.

French football authorities may yet also impose a domestic ban on the veteran left-back.

L'OM and Evra have mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the Ligue 1 giants, which was always the most likely result after fans made their feelings known that the 36 year-old was not welcome back at the Velodrome.

A banner in the stands last weekend read: "We don't want you in our colours anymore. Evra f*** yourself."

Marseille's new American owner Frank McCourt said that Evra's behaviour could not be tolerated.

"This was unacceptable behaviour, from both the player and the supporters," McCourt told La Provence newspaper.

"It's not something that we can tolerate at Marseille, it's as simple as that.

"It's a very regrettable incident and it is really a pity to see a great player like Patrice pushed to a point where he behaves like that," McCourt said.

And Marseille confirmed late on Friday that Evra had left the club with a statement that had praised his behaviour up until last week's incident.

"He has committed the irreparable in responding to the outrageous provocations of a handful of individuals. That said, nothing would justify such actions, even less so on the part of a play as experienced and who should be providing an example to those younger than him."

Marseille chief executive Jacques-Henri Eyraud added: "Today there is sadness."